Outemu Silent Ocean vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Ocean and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silent Ocean and the KTT Semi Mute mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note that both are linear switches designed to provide a quiet typing experience. The Silent Ocean, while not known for any specific standout feature, offers a smooth and consistent keystroke. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switches, despite their misleading name, are specifically tailored for those who prioritize a noise-free environment and enjoy a gentle typing sensation. The KTT switches are described as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Neutral', indicating a softer and more subdued typing experience. Both switches excel in providing a silent operation, but the Silent Ocean may offer a slightly different typing feel compared to the KTT Semi Mute. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Ocean and the KTT Semi Mute, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for the top housing, especially when using RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The Silent Ocean opts for a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Semi Mute utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, emphasizing sharpness and clarity in the sound produced.
Despite the differences in bottom housing materials, both switches share the qualities of polycarbonate in the top housing, resulting in similar sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profiles. The choice to use polycarbonate in the top housing allows for a more resonant sound and is aesthetically pleasing, especially when paired with RGB lighting. However, the variation in bottom housing materials between the Silent Ocean and the Semi Mute leads to distinct differences in sound profiles when typing on these switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Silent Ocean creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Semi Mute maintains a sharper and clearer sound, demonstrating how the choice of housing material impacts the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the decision of which switch to choose between the Outemu Silent Ocean and the KTT Semi Mute may come down to personal preference regarding sound profile. The Silent Ocean's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing provides a balance of sharpness and depth in sound, ideal for those seeking a fuller typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi Mute's consistent use of polycarbonate throughout the housing results in a sharper and clearer sound, appealing to those who prioritize a crisper typing sound. Both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, showcasing how material choice can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Silent Ocean has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Semi Mute's 43 grams, making it slightly lighter to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Silent Ocean requires 65 grams of force compared to the Semi Mute's 58 grams, making the Silent Ocean heavier when pressing all the way down. Overall, the Silent Ocean provides a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Semi Mute offers a medium typing experience. Depending on personal preference, one may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Semi Mute for longer typing sessions, while others may appreciate the heavier bottom out force of the Silent Ocean for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this regard. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity allows for consistent typing experiences and makes it easier for users to transition between keyboards with either of these switches. Overall, the travel distance of both switches contributes to a smooth and comfortable typing experience for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
The Outemu Silent Ocean comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silent Ocean is known for its quiet operation with a lack of specific descriptors provided, whereas the KTT Semi Mute switch is specifically designed to be muted, providing a softer and quieter typing experience. Both switches aim to minimize noise, but the Semi Mute switch is tailored towards those who prioritize a noise-free environment. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and the level of sound insulation desired.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Ocean's tactile experience is not detailed, while the KTT Semi Mute switch is described as providing a buttery and mild typing sensation. A buttery feel indicates a smooth and fluid keystroke, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, a mild switch offers a more gentle typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone. If you prefer a smoother and more uniform typing sensation, the KTT Semi Mute switch may be the better choice for you.
Overall, both the Outemu Silent Ocean and KTT Semi Mute linear switches prioritize quiet operation, making them ideal choices for those who need to type in noise-sensitive environments. While the Silent Ocean may provide a quieter typing experience and the Semi Mute switch offers a buttery and mild feel, both switches cater to individuals who value a noise-free and undisturbed typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prioritize sound reduction or tactile feedback in your mechanical keyboard switch. Either way, with both switches being touted for their silent operation, you can expect similar results in terms of noise reduction when using either one.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, consider your priorities. If you prefer a slightly heavier key press and don't mind a louder typing sound, the Silent Ocean may be the way to go. However, if you value a noise-free environment and prioritize a smooth, gentle typing feel, the KTT Semi Mute switch is the better choice for you. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths and cater to different preferences, so choosing between them depends on what you personally prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
